Veterans Services Office Program Review Presentation Lindsey Wathen – Clerk III April 21, 2010

Program Description The Veterans Services Office (VSO) assists reservists, active duty service members, veterans and eligible dependents with educational benefits available from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The staff members at the VSO collect and process applications and all required documents needed to apply for benefits. Primary Objectives of the VSO: To ensure program compliance at the state and federal level and to assist students. Brief Description of your program. Who are you? One Slide, 2 minutes

VSO - Additional Duties Ensures that ARC programs are approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Tracks and updates student enrollment and academic progress on a weekly basis. Maintains student records for positive and accurate compliance in federal and state audits. Interacts directly with the Department of Veterans Affairs on behalf of students.

Program - Strengths The VSO is committed to providing quality customer-service and timely turnaround to its student population. VSO staff continue to provide a high level of service, despite the implementation of two new education benefits and a sharp increase in its student population over the last six years. The VSO continues to lead the region in the creation and implementation of new policies and changes necessary to meet the demands of the local community.

Program - Challenges Post 9/11 GI Bill: the latest educational benefit available from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Implemented on August 1, 2009. An overall increase in student enrollment at the VSO. Current student population is approximately 750 students per semester. Little increase in resources to handle program growth and changes.

Planning Implications The VSO will address the increase in student population and the Post 9/11 GI Bill through continuous and thorough examination of its procedures, internal documents, and website. Additional internal training and cooperative training with outside departments will be necessary for continuous program development.

Resource Allocations District-wide meetings to address challenges of the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Additional staff members to augment the growing student population and expanding program. Consistent and structured training with the Counseling Department and permanently designated full-time veterans’ counselors. A college success class that familiarizes students with education benefits and the education plan, as it applies to their specific program of study.

Thank you for your time. Questions?